computer brands

donnajunkie

BillScarab wrote: »

Ignore the comment about Linux it's not a game it's an alternative operating system. However the point about making a backup before you start seriously using the PC is a valid one.

Games have to be installed as usually the files on the CD/DVD are compressed and need to be unpacked and installed to run. On most modern PC's running out of hard disk space isn't really an issue unless you download lots or install lots of games.

what things would i need to back up and would i have instruction with the pc telling to do this and how to do this? would i need to back up the game onto another disc. wouldnt it be possible to install the original game disc again if it was accidently lost off the pc. i guess it must be coz what if for example the pc was stolen and you bought a new one. you would want to be able to install all your games onto the new pc wouldnt you.

superscaper

Yes you can use the same disc again and again. We're not talking about backing up discs you already have but backing up what you don't already have as a disc. In particular the operating system/Windows. Many pcs don't come with a Windows disc so you need to make a backup disc in case anything happens to the operating system so you can reinstall.

As for backing up anything else, well anything you don't have on disc already, ie any documents you make, photos you put on, email you download etc. You'll want to back those things up on a regular and frequent basis.

BillScarab

The idea is not to bakc the games up but to back up the new PC so you have a copy of it with nothing on before you start. Then if the PC gets screwed up at a later date you can restore and start again

As to what to use that depends on what you have available. A good method is to take an image of the machine using something like Acronis Trueimage. If you get the proper Windows CD with the machine it's less critical as you can always re-install.

donnajunkie

BillScarab wrote: »

The idea is not to bakc the games up but to back up the new PC so you have a copy of it with nothing on before you start. Then if the PC gets screwed up at a later date you can restore and start again

As to what to use that depends on what you have available. A good method is to take an image of the machine using something like Acronis Trueimage. If you get the proper Windows CD with the machine it's less critical as you can always re-install.

would it not be possible to copy it onto a dvdr or cdr?

motorguy

donnajunkie wrote: »

would it not be possible to copy it onto a dvdr or cdr?

If you run with the Dell option, you can pay an extra £5 and get the Windows CD and drivers disk. Well worth it, although the drivers are avail from their website anyway.

geordie458

Ive bought from Gladiator computers before and found them to be reliable and friendly and knowledgable of the stuff they sell. This one might suit you.
http://www.gladiatorcomputers.com/ProductDetail.aspx?StockCode=PCSTROPCP3600&Link=BestSellers

donnajunkie

pgilc1 wrote: »

If you run with the Dell option, you can pay an extra £5 and get the Windows CD and drivers disk. Well worth it, although the drivers are avail from their website anyway.

so does that mean wherever i got a pc from if the windows disc wasnt included then i could buy it from dell for £5 if required?

donnajunkie

geordie458 wrote: »

Ive bought from Gladiator computers before and found them to be reliable and friendly and knowledgable of the stuff they sell. This one might suit you.
http://www.gladiatorcomputers.com/ProductDetail.aspx?StockCode=PCSTROPCP3600&Link=BestSellers

i'm a sucker for the big name retailers nowadays and have been ever since i got ripped off by a small company that was recommended to me. that is why when someone recently suggested going to a local shop and getting them to build one for me that i was not going to consider it.

BillScarab

Dell won't sell you a disk if you didn't buy the PC from them. If you want ot buy from a large reputable company go with Dell. Their prices are pretty good and they are pretty reliable.

donnajunkie

i just went on the dell site to make an enquiry via email and it seems you have to have already bought something from them before they let you email them. so more and more they arent looking that good to me.